Portable collapsible shelter



. Feb-13,1968 I R.J.BESO NEN 3,368,575

PORTABLE COLLAPSIBLE SHELTER Filed Feb. 25, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet l Feb. 13, 1968 x R. J. BESONEN 3,368,575

P ORTABLE COLLAPSIBLE SHELTER Filed Feb. 25, 1956 1 2 She ets-Sheet 2 xmmwzagz United States Patent 3,368,575 PORTABLE COLLAPSIBLE SHELTER Ruben J. Besonen, 1311 S. 16th St.,

Milwaukee, Wis. 53204 7 Filed Feb. 25,- 1966, Ser. No. 530,084 9 Claims. (Cl. 135-4) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A portable collapsible shelter comprises a plurality of generally inverted L-shaped'support frames which are pivotally connected so that they can be folded and unfolded to be radially disposed with respect to each other. One of the- L-shaped support frames serves as a door frame which is movable between a pair of adjacent frames. A flexible fabric cover is supported by the support frames and a depending portion of thecover is attached to' the movable door frame. In another embodiment of the invention, the door frame is omitted and connecting members are required between each adjacent pair of frames to rigidify the structure and support the cover which has a flap type door.

This invention relates generally to portable collapsible shelters.

The prior art discloses many types of portable collapsible shelters having a wooden or metal framework and having a fabric or plastic covering supported thereby. Of the many types available, each embodies some feature or lacks some other feature whichlimits its utility. For example, some prior art shelters are shaped so as to lack headroom and are useful only for sleeping or storage. Others are shaped so as to be limited to special applications such as covering automobiles or other equipment. Then too, some shelters'have internal structural members as part of their framework, such as center poles, which interfere with interior spatial arrangements. Furthermore, some shelters require assembly and disassembly of the framework components (with the possibility of losing parts) and may require ropes, stakes or other auxiliary devices to maintain them in erected condition. Also, some shelters require the covering to be attached and detached to the framework. Some shelters are not enclosed on all sides or, if they are, they depend on flap-type arrangements toprovide doorways. Finally, some shelters are limited to outdoor use only.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved type of portable collapsible shelter comprising a folding framework and a permanently attached flexiblecover which overcomes the aforementioned problems and has other advantages.

Another object is to provide an improved shelter of the aforesaid character which has a maximum of usable interior space, which is lightweight and .can be easily transported by automobile, and which can be carried and erected by one person either indoors or outdoors on any type of firm level surface.

Another object is to provide an improved shelter of the aforesaid character which has a door which can be swung open orclosed and which can be latchedin closed position.

Another object is'to provide an improved shelter of the aforesaid character which is adopted to have a suitable rigid floor readily installed therein.

Another object is to provide an improved-shelter of theaforesaid character which has a framework comprising a plurality of support frames and a door frame whichare attached to pivot assemblies which permit the framework to be compactly folded, yet permits itto be fully unfolded soas to definea structure which covers 360 Another object is to provide an improved pivot assembly of the aforesaid character which comprises two relatively movable pivot plates to which the support frames and door frame are attached.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will hereinafter appear.

The accompanying drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention but it is tobe understood that the embodiment illustrated is susceptible of modifications with respect to details thereof without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable collapsible shelter embodying the present invention and showing the shelter erected and-with its door open;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged detailed view of a portion of the shelter showing the. door closed and the cover completely closed;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the lower end of shelter framework showing the support frames in extended position;

FIG. 4 is an end elevationalview of'the lower end of the shelter framework showing the support frames and door frame in folded or collapsed position; and

FIG. 5 is an enlarged detailedview taken along line 55 of FIG. 4 and shows the relationship of the pivot plates in a pivot assembly.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawing, the numeral 10 designates a portable collapsible shelter embodying the present invention and shown in erected position with its door open. Shelter 10is hexagonal in form and has a roof which pitches downwardly from its center; Shelter 10 may beassumed to be about five feet in diameter and about seven feet high when erected, although other sizes might be preferred for particular applications. Shelter 10 comprises a framework 14 anda transport cover 16. If preferred, a-floor 18, shown in- FIG. 1, may be installed in shelter 10 after it iserected. A preferred floor 18 comprises two plywood panels 20 and 22 hinged along a center line by suitable hinges. Floor 18 is shown folded in half but it is to be understood that it can be unfolded to cover thebottom of shelter 10.

Framework 14 of shelter 10 comprises six support frames 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24c, and 24 and a door frame 26 which are preferably made of lightweight metal tubing, although wooden members could be employed. Each support frame 24a through 24) is generally U-shaped. As FIG. 1 shows, a typical support frame 244: comprises a side portion 28, an upper leg portion 30- and a lower leg,

portion 32. Preferably, the leg portions of each support frame-are equal in length to each other.

Means are provided for p-ivotably connecting the extreme ends of the leg portions of the support frames and door frame so that the frames can be moved from folded to unfolded position wherein they are radially disposed.

Theextreme end of upper leg portion 30-of each support frame 24a through 24 is understood to be pivotally attached to an upper pivot plate assembly (not shown) which is understood to be similar to a lower pivot plate assembly 36, hereinafter described. A- circular member 34 .is connected to the upper pivot plate assembly to protect cover 16 from damage. The extreme ends of a lower leg portion 32 are pivotallyattached to lower pivotplate assembly 36. FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 show that lower pivot plate assembly 36 comprises firstand second plates 38 and 40, respectively, which are pivotally connected together by means of a rivet 42. In practice, the plates 38 and 40'are made of steel about Ms" thick. Preferably, the. heads of rivet 42 are countersunk in the plates 38 and 40* so as to reduce the overall thickness of the assembly and to provide flat surfaces. The extreme ends of Patented Feb. 13, 1968 the lower leg portions of the support frames 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d are pivotally connected to first plate 38 of the lower pivot plate assembly 36, as by means of rivets 44. The extreme ends of the lower leg portions of the support frames 242 and 24 are pivotally connected to second plate 40 of lower pivot plate assembly 36, as by means of rivets 46.

As will be understood, the extreme ends of the upper leg portions of the support frames are similarly connected to the plates which comprise the upper pivot plate assembly.

Door frame 26 is similar in shape to the support frames 24a through 24 and is pivotally attached to pivot plate 40 of lower pivot plate assembly 36 and to the upper pivot plate assembly.

When framework 14 is folded or collapsed, the plates 38 and 40 of lower pivot plate assembly 36, the support frames 24a through 24f, and door frame 26 assume the relative positions shown in FIG. 4. It is to be noted that support frame 24a and door frame 26 have their lower leg portions bent so that the frames can be compactly arranged in substantially parallel spaced apart planes when folded as in FIG. 4. The upper leg portions of support frame 24a and door frame 26 are understood to be similarly bent.

When framework 14 is unfolded or erected, the plates 38 and 40 of lower pivot plate assembly 36 and the support frames 24a through 24f assume the relative positions shown in FIG. 3. Indexing means such as the lines 37 and 39 are provided on the pivot plates 38 and 40, respectively, to ensure their proper alignment in unfolded position. FIG. 3 shows that door frame 26 is pivotable from the open position in which it is shown to the closed position shown in phantom. It is to be understood that clearance space is provided between the bottom surface of floor 18 and the lower leg of door frame 26 so that the door can be moved. Each of the support frames 24a through 24 is conected to an adjacent support frame by means such as a flexible chain 48, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, which regulates the spacing of framework and affords rigidity to the framework. One end of chain 48 is permanently connected to frame 24a and the other end of the chain is detachably connected as by means of a snap fastener 50 to a ring 52 on support frame 24a. Points along chain 48 are permanently connected to respective support frames. Note that chain 48 does not connect to door frame 26. Chain 48 also helps support cover 16, hereinafter described.

Means are provided as at 54 on support frame 24a and at 55 on door frame 26 for latching door frame 26 to support frame 24a in closed position.

Cover 16 of shelter is supported on the exterior of framework 14 and may, if desired, be permanently attached thereto. Cover 16 may be made of a cloth fabric, such as canvas, or of a flexible plastic which is opaque, translucent or transparent. Of course, any combination of the two materials could be used.

Cover 16 comprises a top portion 56, which in the embodiment shown, has a hexagonal outline. Cover 16 further comprises a side portion 58 which depends from top portion 56 and which may be made up of a single piece of material or several panels. Top portion 56 is permanently attached to side portion 58 along about one half of its circumference and is detachably connected thereto, as by means of a zipper 60, along the remainder of its circumference. Side portion 58 of cover 16 has a first vertical edge 62 which is adapted to be connected along the side portion of support frame 24a and has a second vertical edge 64 along a door portion 65 which is adapted to be connected along the side portion of door frame 26.

With zipper 60 fully open, cover 16 can initially be placed over framework 14 and then the vertical edges 62 and 64 are permanently attached in place. Zipper 60 is kept fully open when shelter 10 is being unfolded and folded. After shelter 10 is unfolded and the support frames are fastened in place by chain 48, zipper 60 is closed as far as support frame 24f. This permits door frame 26 to be moved open and closed. When door frame 26 is to be closed for any length of time, zipper 60 is closed as far as support frame 24a to seal cover 16 at the top edge. Preferably, zipper 60 is operable from both inside and outside shelter 10.

If preferred, a Zipper or other form of sealing means may be provided along the vertical edges 62 and 64 of side portion 58 of cover 16 to seal the shelter when door 12 is closed.

Shelter 10 disclosed herein is shown as having six support frames but it is to be understood that a greater or lesser number of support frames could be employed and that the door frame could be swung through a greater or lesser arc. Furthermore, although framework 14 of shelter 10 is shown as having support frames and a door frame with upper leg portions 30 and lower leg portions 32, the lower leg portions 32 and the lower pivot assembly could be deleted.

Also, if preferred, the support frames and door frame could be hinged at appropriate places to make the framework even more compact after it is folded.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclu- I sive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. In a portable collapsible shelter;

a plurality of support frames,

each support frame having a side portion and at least one leg portion at one end of said side portion,

means for pivotably connecting the ends of said leg portions of said support frames so that said support frames can be moved from a folded position to an unfolded position wherein they are radially disposed with respect to each other,

a door frame having a side portion and at least one leg portion pivotably connected at its end to said means,

said door frame being movable between open and closed positions between a first adjacent pair of said support frames,

and a flexible cover supported by said support frames,

said cover having a top portion and a depending side portion,

said depending portion of said cover having a door portion attached to said door frame and movable thereby to cover and uncover the space between said adjacent pair of support frames.

2. A shelter according to claim 1 comprising connecting members connected between each pair of adjacent support frames for regulating the radial spacing between adjacent frames and affording support when the latter are in unfolded position; the connecting member between adjacent pairs of support frames being collapsible to allow said supporting frames to be moved to folded position.

3. A shelter according to claim 2 wherein said connecting members are flexible and wherein the flexible connecting member between at least one adjacent pair of support frames is detachably connected.

4. A shelter according to claim 1 wherein the means for pivotably connecting the ends of said leg portions of said support frames comprises a pivot assembly and wherein said pivot assembly comprises a pair of plates which are pivotally connected to each other and to which said ends of said leg portions of said support frames are attached.

5. A shelter according to claim 1 wherein each support frame has two leg portions and wherein the means for pivotally connecting the ends of said leg portions of said support frames comprises a first pivot assembly at one end of the support frames and further comprises a second pivot assembly distinct from said first pivot assembly at the other end of the support frames; each of said pivot assemblies comprising a pair of plates which are pivotably connected to each other and to which said ends means for pivotably connecting the ends of said leg portions of said support frames so that said support frames can be moved from a folded position to an of said leg members of said support frames are attached.

6. A shelter according to claim 1 wherein said flexible cover comprises a top portion and a side portion depending from said top portion,

unfolded position wherein they are radially disposed said side portion having a first vertical edge attached 5 with respect to each other,

to the Side Portion of one pp frame of Said first connecting members connected between each pair of l e P of Support frames f hell/leg a Second adjacent support frames for regulating the radial vertical edge attached to said side portlon of said spacing between adjacent frames and fl di door frame! 7 port when the latter are in unfolded position; the and means for attachlng and detaching the edge of satd 10 connecting mgmbel. between adjacent pairs of top Pomon to and from the upper edge. of Sand side port frames being collapsible to allow said supportportion along at least one half of the clrcumference ing frames to be moved to folded position, of sald top portion and fl bl t d b a'd t frame 7. In a portable collapsible shelter: a 6X1 cover Slipper e y s 1 Suppor S a plurality of support frames, and by said connecting members, each support frame having a side portion and at least 531d 9 havmg a top Portion and a dependmg slde one leg portion at one end of said side portion, P and means for pivotably connecting the ends of said Said depending POIUOB of Sald eovel' having a door leg portions of said support frames so that said sup- Portion movable to Cover and uncover the Space port frames can be moved from a folded position between at least one adjacent pair of support frames. wherein said frames lie in substantially parallel 9. A shelter according to claim 8 wherein said connectspaced apart planes to an unfolded position wherein ing members are flexible and wherein the flexible connect- Said frames are radially disposed with respect to ing member between at least one adjacent pair of support each n frames is detachably connected. said means comprising a pair of plates which are pivot- 5 ably connected to each other at a first pivot point, R f ren Cit d and each pivot plate being pivotably connected to the ends of the legs portions of several of said plurality UNITED STATES PATENTS of support frames at second pivot points in such a 1,092,794 4/1914 Hughes et a1. l357.l manner that the second pivot points are radially dis- 2,302,650 11/ 1942 Anderson et al 1351 posed with respect to said first pivot point. 2,869,561 1/1959 Harkness 135-1 8. In a portable collapsible shelter: 3 1 9,543 2 19 5 McGerty 135 1 a plurality of support frames, each support frame having a side portion and at least REINALDO P MACHADO, P imary Examiner.

one leg portion at one end of said side portion, 

